How to Drive Cross-Country with a Large Dog

The open road is calling you. Or maybe you got a job clear across the country and you have to move your car and your dog with you, so you decide to take the cross-country trek together. The problem is, your dog is huge. With a little accommodation, the cross-country trip with your big dog can be easy. Give him a few days to get into the rhythm of the long days in the car, and you might just have an enjoyable traveling companion for life. Here are some tips to help make the trip easier.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. If you're driving across the country with your car packed with stuff and your big dog, make sure when you pack that you make a nice, roomy spot in the back seat for your dog to stretch out. This is the important part, because this is where he'll be spending all of his time.

2. Cover the sleeping area with a blanket and put a few toys in there for him. Make sure to pack his food, water bowl and leash in a close area for easy access at rest stops.

3. Once on the road, every time you stop to get gas or food, let your dog out to stretch his legs, go to the bathroom and get some water.

4. You can book motels ahead of time on the route you choose, but you can stay spontaneously at the Motel 6, which always takes dogs. Econolodge and the Days Inn also take dogs, but they sometimes ask for a deposit.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have to leave the motel, put your dog in the bathroom with the fan on, and he won't hear any noises to make him bark.